Moving to a new address can be both exciting and stressful. One crucial task to ensure a smooth transition is setting up mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service (USPS). This service ensures that your mail follows you to your new location, preventing important documents and correspondence from getting lost. While USPS mail forwarding typically starts within 3 business days of your request, it’s wise to plan ahead and allow up to 2 weeks for the service to fully activate. Mail is forwarded piece by piece as it arrives for your old address.
What Types of Mail Does USPS Forward?
It’s important to understand what types of mail are forwarded and if any extra costs are involved. Here’s a breakdown:
- First-Class Mail and Periodicals: This includes letters, postcards, and magazines. The good news is that forwarding for these types of mail is free.
- Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage: These expedited and standard shipping services are also forwarded free of charge.
- Media Mail: Books, printed music, and other media can be forwarded, but there’s a cost. You will need to pay the shipping fee from your local Post Office to your new address.
- USPS Marketing Mail: Unfortunately, this type of mail, often referred to as “junk mail,” is not forwarded.
It’s critical to remember that USPS mail forwarding only updates your address with the Post Office. You are still responsible for updating your address with government agencies (like the DMV, IRS, and voter registration), financial institutions, subscription services, online retailers, and other important contacts.
Where Can You Set Up Mail Forwarding?
USPS offers convenient options for setting up your mail forwarding service. You can do it online or in person at a Post Office.
You must visit a Post Office location to submit your change of address request in the following situations:
- If you are moving outside of the United States.
- If you are submitting a change of address request as an authorized agent for someone else.
- If you are unable to verify your identity online.
Setting Up Mail Forwarding Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
The online process is generally the easiest and quickest method for most people. Here’s how to change your address online:
- Visit the Official USPS Change of Address Website: Go to the official USPS Change of Address® website. Always ensure you are on the official USPS website to avoid scams.
- Select Your Move Type and Complete the Form: Choose whether you are moving as an “Individual,” “Family,” or “Business.” Fill out the online form with your old and new addresses, and the date you want forwarding to begin. For “Family” moves, it’s for everyone with the same last name moving to the same new address.
- Verify Your Identity: For security purposes, USPS requires identity verification. You can opt to receive a verification code or link via text message on your mobile phone.
- Pay the Identity Verification Fee: There is a small identity verification fee of $1.10. Ensure the billing address on your credit or debit card matches either your old or new address for successful verification.
- Confirmation and Notifications (If Online Verification is Successful):
- Upon successful online identity verification, USPS will send an email confirmation containing a confirmation code. Keep this code safe, as you’ll need it if you need to modify or cancel your request.
- You will receive a Move Validation Letter at your old address to confirm the change of address request.
- Approximately 5 business days before your mail forwarding start date, a Customer Notification Letter (including your confirmation code) will be sent to your new address. This letter often includes a welcome kit with coupons from USPS partners.
- Mail forwarding will commence on your specified start date, and your mail will be rerouted to your new address gradually.
- In-Person Verification (If Online Verification Fails): If you are unable to verify your identity online, USPS will email you instructions and a barcode. Take this email and acceptable photo identification to your local Post Office to complete the verification process in person.
Change Your Address Online Now
Setting Up Mail Forwarding at a Post Office: Step-by-Step
If you prefer or need to change your address in person, follow these steps:
- Visit Your Local Post Office: Locate your nearest Post Office using the USPSFind a Post Office tool. Make sure to bring acceptable photo identification and any necessary documents for special situations (see below).
- Request a Mover’s Guide Packet: Ask a retail associate for a free Mover’s Guide packet. This packet contains the necessary PS Form 3575 (Change of Address Form) and helpful moving information.
- Complete PS Form 3575: Fill out the form carefully and accurately.
- Submit Your Form and Verify Identity: Give the completed form to the retail associate. They will verify your identity using your photo ID and process your mail forwarding request.
Visit Change of Address FAQs for more information
Review Change of Address Exceptions & Details (DMM 507.2.0) for comprehensive guidelines
What If You Can’t Verify Your Identity?
Identity verification is a mandatory step in the USPS change of address process to protect against fraud and ensure mail security.
- If Online Verification Fails: You must visit a Post Office with acceptable photo ID to verify your identity in person.
- If In-Person Verification Fails: Unfortunately, if you cannot verify your identity at a Post Office, USPS will not be able to process your change of address request.
- Alternative Solution: If you cannot complete a USPS change of address, your only option is to directly notify everyone who sends you mail – individuals, businesses, and government agencies – of your new address. This is a more time-consuming process but ensures you receive your mail at your new location.
Mail Forwarding for Special Situations
USPS accommodates change of address requests for various special circumstances:
Authorized Agent (Submitting for Someone Else):
If you are acting as an “Authorized Agent” to change an address for another person, you must apply in person at a Post Office and present acceptable ID and additional documentation depending on the individual:
- Child under 18: The child’s birth certificate.
- Person Unable to Act on Their Own Behalf: A Power of Attorney document.
Deceased Individuals:
To manage mail for a deceased person, you need to go to a Post Office with documentation proving you are the authorized executor or administrator of their estate. A death certificate alone is not sufficient.
[Learn more about Managing Mail for the Deceased](https://www.usps.com/ الوطني/manage/mail-for-deceased.htm)
International Moves:
If you are moving outside the United States, it’s crucial to initiate your change of address before leaving the U.S. You must visit a Post Office to verify your identity and submit your request in person.
Businesses:
For business change of address requests submitted in person, you must provide documentation confirming your authorization to act on behalf of the business. This can include a notarized letter, power of attorney, or a letter on company letterhead signed by a company leader.
U.S. Military Moves:
For military personnel, it’s recommended to first consult with your command as your AMPS relocation information may be automatically shared with USPS. If you still need to submit a USPS change of address, you can do so online or in person. For online requests from a military address, your email address must end in .gov, .mil, or .edu. Important: In-person identity verification for military moves is only possible at Post Offices within the 50 states and Puerto Rico. If you are outside these locations, in-person verification and USPS change of address submission are not possible.
Explore Related USPS Mail Services
Beyond standard mail forwarding, USPS provides other services that might be helpful during and after a move:
USPS Hold Mail Service
If you will be away from your new address temporarily (from 3 to 30 days), USPS Hold Mail service lets you temporarily pause mail delivery to your address. Your local Post Office will securely hold all your mail until you return. You can then have all accumulated mail delivered on a specific date or pick it up from the Post Office.
Schedule USPS Hold Mail Service Online
Extended Mail Forwarding
Standard USPS mail forwarding lasts for 12 months. If you anticipate needing mail forwarding for a longer period, you can extend it for an additional 6, 12, or 18 months (18 months is the maximum total forwarding duration).
You can add Extended Mail Forwarding when initially submitting your change of address request or by editing an existing request later through the Manage My Move portal. USPS will also send you a reminder email when your initial 12-month forwarding period is nearing its end.
Important Note: Extended Mail Forwarding fees are non-refundable, and the service cannot be canceled once purchased. For detailed pricing and information, consult the Extended Mail Forwarding FAQs.
After your mail forwarding period ends (both standard and extended), USPS will return mail to sender for 6 months with a label indicating your new address. This helps senders update their records, although it is not a substitute for directly informing them of your address change.
Premium Forwarding Service
For more comprehensive mail management, USPS offers Premium Forwarding Service options for a fee.
- Premium Forwarding Service Residential: Your mail is re-packaged and sent to you weekly via Priority Mail.
- Premium Forwarding Service Commercial: Businesses can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly mail forwarding via Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.
[Explore Premium Forwarding Mail Services](https://www.usps.com/ الوطني/manage/forward-premium.htm)
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of USPS mail forwarding, helping you navigate the process smoothly and ensure you continue to receive your mail seamlessly during and after your move.
